CAUTION...all YZ owners please read! (posted 2001)

motoman393

Today I was taking off my swingarm and forks/etc (in preparation for my new springs and gold valves which get here on Thurs)...and after awhile I came inside to take a break! Well I got on TTalk and went over to the 250f forum and saw a post titled "CAUTION-Your Chain Rub Block May Be Wearing Your Swing Arm!" after reading this post (posted below), I decided to go check it out on my bike! Well after taking off the chain slider (held on my 4 allen bolts) I couldnt believe how much metal was gone on my swingarm! All you guys need to go into the garage and check your swingarm right now...because if you dont you most likely will end up with a huge hole in your swingarm! I think I am going to fix this with some pieces of old tires tubes or weather strpping! I also think this is the cause of "chain slap" under low speed riding? I am really glad I checked this because Im sure a new swingarm costs alot of $! Just thought I would let you all know! Later,

Garrett

Symptom:The loud clacking sound that comes from the chain hitting the rub block is more than just irritating, it may be abrading the aluminum from the top of the swing arm (at least on my WR).Cause:The swing arm rub block retaining bolts that go through little inverted top hats are suppose to locate and secure the rub block. However, the design allows the top hat to seat against the swing arm BEFORE a significant clamp load is applied to the rub block.

This, along with bolt spacing that is rather wide, allows the rub block to slide laterally as well as bounce on the swing arm each time the chain smacks it. The rub block is actually wearing away the swing arm material at the contact surface.

To inspect your bike, remove the two bolts on the upper side and lift the rub block. The contact area on the swing arm should be perfectly smooth. Mine was pitted and worn down slightly.

The brim of the inverted top hat needs to contact the rub block before the top hat bottoms against the swing arm. Rolling the brim towards the top of the hat, which is toward the rub block as installed, will ensure that it contacts the rub block and maintains clamp load as the bolts are tightened.

Place the top hat brim against a 9/16-inch socket with the hat portion sticking out of the socket. Then, using light pressure from a vise (or hammer?), gently roll the brim towards the top of the hat. How much? Enough to let the brim dig into the rub block and hold as you seat the hat against the swing arm. I'd guess about 2mm.

2) Provide an isolation material between the rub block and the swing arm to cushion the impacts and help secure the rub block.

I thought about using a thin rubber membrane (bicycle inner tube) but wanted something that would also help secure the rub block. I had some "Super Yellow" weather strip adhesive on hand and decided to use it instead.

First, I filed off the rub block's sharp edge where it contacts the swing arm. I was only concerned with the top of the swing arm.

I then applied a thick layer of weather strip adhesive to the top of the swing arm and to the mating surface of the rub block. By applying a thick layer I gained some impact isolation as well as adhesion.

After tacking up for a few minutes the parts were mated and pulled apart several times, and then secured with the modified top hats.

A two-mile check ride shows that the rub block is much more secure and the chain clack noise is reduced. I'm not sure of long term durability, only time will tell - if any one has another idea let me know.

To do the job I had to remove the lower chain roller and c/s sprocket, and then roll the chain off the rear sprocket. I then wired the chain up for room to work. A long hex key is required for the lower front bolt - I had a long 5/32-inch that fit the 4mm just fine.

BK14MX

My 00' 426 has a little wear there too, also, I just put on an after market slider, it lasted 3 rides. Very disappointed with that, it ripped apart about half way up on the top, got into the swingarm just a little. Stock ones arent cheap, but I think I'm gonna stick with OEM on this one.

sirhk

Yup, I had the UFO one on my bike and it lasted 2 rides. Then I got the TM Design works one (Ty Davis) and it's lasted about a year now and at the rate it's wearing it may out last the damn bike!! It's barely got grooves in it. It is loud as hell though and it sounds like my bike is falling apart but I can deal with that!! I think it was like $75 for the chain slider but the stock ones are like $30 and I can guarentee you it's going to last WAY longer then 2.5 stock ones will last. Ohh, and yes, you have to remove the swing arm to mount it. Gives you a good excuse to lube your bearings though.

John_H

Do those aftermarket chainguards use the same (or similar) grommet setup that allows the guard to move a bit on the swingarm? My swingarm is taking a beating also and I want to fix it, but I'm wondering why it has the grommet that allows the guard to move. I suppose it is so it can move laterally with the chain. However, I'd rather have wear on the guard than on the swingarm. ...BTW Motoman393, thanks for the heads-up. I didn't even pay attention to the post on the 250 side.

inthegrove

You should also check your subframe for wear. My subframe had significant wear at the point where the airbox meets the subframe. I glued innertube repair rubber on the wear spot. Now the rubber is wearing, but it is easy to replace.

grayracer513

RCannon

That was the reason I didn't just pull the post. This still happens to the new stuff.

The new bikes as well? No problems yet on my 06, but I will keep an eye on it. When this post first went up I went out to check my 97. There was just a slight polishing going on. Another ride or two would have been very bad.

rdrata

So how much to really threat on this thread? I was bored so I went out and checked on all 3 bikes: '03 YZ250 = significant wear; '05 YZ125 = moderate wear; '06 YZ450F = slight wear (at hinge point). Gray, did you make this mod to your rides? I am assuming the grit getting between the slide with continuous rubbing is acting like sandpaper concentrated in this area?